The West Indies began their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh on a winning note, securing a convincing 16-run victory in the opening encounter.
Unbeaten forties from captain Shai Hope (46)* and Rovman Powell (44)* guided the visitors to a competitive total of 165/3, before they bowled Bangladesh out for 149 in 19.4 overs.
Opting to bat first, the openers added 59 runs before Athanaze was bowled attempting a reverse sweep off Rishad Hossain in the ninth over.
Though the Windies lost Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford to successive deliveries from Taskin in the 13th over, skipper Hope stabilized the innings with back-to-back sixes off Rishad.
A dropped catch by Tanzim Sakib at short third man proved costly as Powell unleashed a flurry of sixes, including three in a row in the final over, helping the West Indies finish strongly at 165/3.
In response, Bangladesh started brightly with Tanzid Hasan hitting a six and a four off Akeal Hosein in the opening over, but his dismissal by Jayden Seales in the next set off a collapse.
Bangladesh slipped to 42/4 in the power play after losing Litton Das, Saif Hassan, and Shamim Hossain in quick succession.
The West Indies maintained control as Seales and Jason Holder struck at regular intervals. Holder removed Tanzim Sakib (33) to end a 40-run stand with Nasum Ahmed, which had briefly revived Bangladesh’s hopes. The innings ended unusually when Taskin Ahmed was dismissed hit-wicket after hitting a six.
Jason Holder (3-31) and Jayden Seales (3-32) were the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies.